Thursday, 26 January 2012

On my previous post I have given you some link that talk and review about FAKE Onitsuka Tiger that floating around in the market.

But since then the Chinese Producer has learned and watched this remarks from Internet to improve their production to make it their product identical to the Authentic one.

Once again the attention on detail needed for you to avoid get rip off with this New and Improved FAKE Onitsuka Tiger.

Some of the points that previous writer and articles that may you have read still apply on the FAKE shoes as guidance for you.

On this review I will use one shoes Onitsuka tiger Mexico 66 Code HL202-1659 Color Birch/ Indian Ink/ Latte.

I will give you step by step how to Spot the FAKE one.

On this first picture the left hand side shoes are Authentic one the right hand side is FAKE grade AAA from China.

Left hand side shoes are produce in Indonesia while the right hand side mark as Made in Vietnam.

From this angle you will not see any different in this both shoes looks identical.

First, different that you can spot from this picture is the printed logo inside the insole. FAKE shoes has Bright Green ink used to print the logo while the authentic ones using lighter green color ink.

Please see next picture

From this angle you can see the color different on both shoes. The authentic shoes for code HL202-1659 has lighter beige color while the FAKE one has creamer color. You also can notice the leather appearance on these 2 shoes. The Authentic shoes has high quality leather and not glossy, while the FAKE one using glossy cheap leather.

On the picture above I want to show you all the different on stitching on both shoes. The left hand side is FAKE Onitsuka tiger while the right one is Authentic one. You can see on Authentic shoes the stitching done perfectly right up to the end of the stripes line and very neat, while the FAKE's one has uneven stitching and poorly done.

From this picture you can see the color of outer sole also different. The FAKE's one has light Grey color while the Authentic one has light cream color. The picture below will show you clear the different on both shoes

Right hand side is AUTHENTIC, left hand side is FAKE.

You can see the different on outer sole color. BEWARE!!!

On the previous review from other writer, most of them mention about FAKE shoes has logo on their outer sole. But, the new and improved FAKE shoes has already no logo on their outer shoes.BEWARE!!! as I usually see this on Ebay and other online website.

When you buy your Onitsuka Tiger, the insole on all Onitsuka Tiger shoes always FIXED and not removable. Only FAKE shoes that has removable insole.

The weight on authentic shoes compare with FAKE one much lighter. A pair of authentic Onitsuka Tiger average only weight around 600grm , while FAKE shoes weight around 800grm-1kg. For this indicator will be very hard to spot without comparing direct side by side.

Last picture that may can help you to spot FAKE Onitsuka Tiger is the back heel flap material used for both shoes. The FAKE one using synthetic leather which has smooth appearance while the real shoes using real and high quality leather.

It is really scary for Onitsuka Tiger Fans knowing that the shoes that they loves and bought might FAKE.

On my review here I put more addition on previous review that has been done from other writer on this product.

If you have any experience or more additional on HOW TO SPOT FAKE ONITSUKA TIGER I invited you all to comment and discuss it on this forum.

The more information that we can gather mean we give education to everyone to avoid buying Onitsuka Tiger and spend our money to the correct and reliable product.

You can also share any concern that you have before buying shoes only here.

I hope that this article can help you guys and giving you some idea how good Chinese producer making this all favorites shoes looks identical.

Hi,Thank you for your comment.I am not sure which mall that you are referring to? If the shop are authorized Onitsuka tiger stockist than definitely they selling authentic product.

On my experience all replica shoes like Onitsuka Tiger, Vans, Converse, etc always use removable insole ( only apply to casual shoes not apply to sport/running shoes) while authentic one always has fixed insole.

In addition most of the color that each company use are fixed every year as each color represent their color code. They might change the style but not on the color chart. For you may be hard to notice this thing, but if you would like to send me the picture than I might help you to identify them.

Last but not least attention to detail to spot fake is needed as well. I will post more picture on some color that may help on my next posting. As I said they make it looks similar but can not make it perfect match on my eyes :)

In regards on Made in Vietnam. Onitsuka Tiger still made in Vietnam, I am not telling that Made in Vietnam are fake. In fact OT made in Vietnam normally produce premium shoes such as Lauta, Vintage color, Deluxe etc. Chinese producer put made in vietnam on their shoes merely just to trick us that this made in Vietnam even though shoes come from china.The major producer for Onitsuka tiger are Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan,china and Thailand.Each country has been assigned with different contract and style which one they can produce. To spot fake we can not only base on the country that made the shoes, but a lot of indicator that you need to take on board. Best guideline are to compare shoes with onitsuka tiger official website.

For the green one as I said previously by judging the picture every one will 100% tell that they are original based there is no logo printed at outer sole.

But that is not apply anymore for this shoes. What I can spot for both shoes as follow:1. Both shoes do not have the curve in front of the toe.2. The product code on Yellow/Black definitely wrong code. The code for this color should be HL202-0490.3. They did not take the picture of the back of the heel on the shoes, therefore I can not see if the stripe for the yellow one black stripes or yellow stripes.

Hi! It's a good thing people are trying to help each other not to get ripped off by sellers claiming to sell authentic/original OT's. Keep up the good work! Anyway, I'm no expert and I want to be able educate and help others spot fake OT's. Here's a link of an online seller claiming to have authentic/original OT's. http://malanting.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=3 . Can you guys verify whether they're selling authentic/original OT's? It's really hard to spot a fake one even with many tips from the internet.

In regards the link in question, I already have a look them and can confirm that all the shoes appear on this link are FAKE shoes.

All the shoes has false branding issue which will be long explanation if I have write them each individual item.

I will give you one example of their product link :http://malanting.multiply.com/photos/album/31/NEW_MEXICO_66-_NEW_AVAILABLE_STYLES_EUR_40-45

From link above seller try to show the outer sole on some of the some, but why he/she doesn't want to show others? My guess answer because the outer sole will have Onitsuka tiger logo on them which false.

Looking at the code on the box, you can try google them as well. None of the result refer to official website of Onitsuka Tiger which www.onitsukatiger.com.

Last but not least please ask them whether the shoes has removable insole or fixed one. As Authentic only use fixed insole.

Thank you so much for your fast answer.The fact is that I'm looking for the HL202-1659 (very hard to find), but the shoes I wanted you to check (boccisport) seem to be different.The main colour is beige, whereas the HL202-1659 is white.

According to you, the shoes from bocci sport (the link I gave to you)are HL202-1659 or not?

Ok.But I still have a doubt, because when you zoom on the blue stripes, the stitching seems to be bad.

There is an other thing I don't understand : if the sole is white, dos it mean that the shoe is fake?For example : http://www.stylefile.fr/asics-tiger-mexico-66-chaussures-beige-bleu-fid-6081.html And you can see that the stitching of the stripes is perfect.

Hiya, I recently bought 2 identical onitsuka tigers for me and my brother from ebay. The seller said they were ex-displays and did not reply when I ask whether its real. I was stupid enough to bid for both before receiving their answer. I told them that I would pay if they tell me its real or not. They open a case on ebay cause I didnt pay. I paid or the shoes believing they are real as I read through their feedbacks.I have received them and now I think they are fake. I wondering if you could take a look at the photos of both shoes. How do i send them to you. Can i have your email address.I would really appreciate your help cause Im buying this as a birthday gift for my brother. Thank you

Hi, great site!This company seems legit, bought off e-bay.recieved the shoes, but they dont't feel or look right, suede toe overlays are different sizes when comparing both shoes.What do you think? Thanks.

They sell authentic shoes and the link of the shoes that you send me are exclusive colorway for Hype.

In regards your question for the suede toe overlays my suggestions:1. Please check the size tag on both shoes, it could be they sent different size2. If comes to sale item like this, sometimes shop like this get either defect product or B Grade product. Both product still legit and factory still allow them to sell in the market. On your case it may be possibility you are receiving the defect product which not pass QC. Can you see the QC sticker on the box? 3. If you still do not feel they are the correct size you could send the shoes back as I think they have 365days hassle free return policy for refund or exchange.

Hi can you help me how to spot on fake mexico midrunner?Cause i am dying to get one on my trip to singapore, is it possible for them to sell a fake one on the store like in orchard etc?And can you tell which is original or fake by wearing them, different comfortness maybe?Thank you

I have two mexico baja with fixed insole, and its a fake. I think they are fake cause i bought it cheap,and they arent comfortable to wear.I also noticed that all pictures on the net showed midrunner with logo on the outer sole. What do you think about that?

There you go,maybe you can share your thoughts with me.And what about the mexico baja i told you before? Imho the counterfeiters are getting smarter, they will do anything to make a good copy of onitsuka.Just for info,i bought my mexico baja around 3 years ago on the flea market, cost me only around $25.Well thank you, hope you can share more of your knowledge.

I know they are getting smarter, but for fixed sole they can not copy it. Fixed meaning FIXED you can not remove them how hard you want to remove the insole as they are intact together with the base. Please refer to www.onitsukatiger.com choose Japan as country and translate them with english so you can see the description on each shoes.

The shoes on the link that you gave me are FAKE. Each shoes has code on your link the seller can not provide you the code. The description that appears on website only basic color.

If you want buy from the net, ebay etc please ask the sizing chart for the shoes as well. Onitsuka Tiger has SPECIFIC sizing chart for example size US 9.5 should appear on the sizing tag as EUR 43.5 ( MUST). Chinese producer run their sizing Chart based on NIKE sizing chart on every FAKE shoes they produce.

Please take a look at this website also :)This far your answers helps me a little...still i am afraid that i might purchase a fake oneIs there any way that we can stop this conterfeit mafia? Cause its so sad seeing my favorite brand of shoes become less and less famous...Thank you somuch for the info.

Hi, Could you please verify if the link below is selling genuine or counterfeit shoes. Thank you so much for this informative blog site!http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/6144038/The+Real+Onitsuka+Tiger.+Nippon+Made+%22Authentic+Japan%22+best+offer!?referralKeywords=onitsuka+tiger&event=Search+Ranking,Position,2-1,21

All of them are FAKE shoes. The genuine Mexico 66 Nippon Made retail around US$300 imposible for anyone to sell less than $100 also is Pre-order shoes that most likely come from China producer.

Check www.onitsukatiger.com choose Japan as country find the nippon made collection shoes and compare the color with your link above.

I need to be straight here that price will reflect to the quality on most cases unless your supplier/seller selling old stock that might be below the market price, but will not be far from rock bottom price which $50 for normal Mexico 66.

Hi,Just to inform : I have ordered on a website and never received the shoes : www.onitsukatigercenter.comI created an account. I saw -too late- that there is no phone number and no postal adress. I sent 3 mails to adress found but no answer.I thought it was the official website ! Well done !Be carrefull and tell if there are other cases.Xx

k... thanks... we dont have a shop specifcly for asics... they r sold in multibrand stores... i did go there n they had no clue... but i managed to find a site which sells OT can u help me n tell me if they r authentic... thanks in advance...

Hey there! I'm glad you're helping so many people out here. I've been trying to buy a pair of Onisukas online for a very long time. Can you help me out with this? I'm not sure which model I see here: http://list.qoo10.sg/item/LIMITED-EDITION-ONITSUKA-TIGER/406185546#itemInfo

I need to know if those are fake or real.

I can't find the item code for that anywhere because its a black sole, but the original one i wanted is HL202-0123. If you know where to buy a real one for that code, please recommend me a few online stores to buy! Thanks!

hi! just found this page. I wanted to check if the OT i got is real. according to the seller it was an overrun. it says made in japan, but the insoles are not fixed. it looks really made well but i doubt coz i got it half price. where can i post pics?

Like other big brand in the world Asics also has many factory in 3rd world country such as Vietnam,Indonesia and Thailand.

For Onitsuka Tiger as part of Asics line, they also produce in these countries.

You can check link below :

http://www.asics.co.jp/onitsukatiger/products/A1/Detail/~THL7C2

the above link are from official website for asics Japan, please open them on Google Chrome and translate to English. Under product data you can see the country that made the shoes also all the details.

hello,could you please tell me if these are fake or authentic tigershttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Onitsuka-Tiger-Mexico-66-HL202-Leather-Sports-Shoes-White-Blue-Red-US-4-11-/230901944247?pt=AU_Adult_Unisex_Footwear&var=&hash=item35c2d40fb7

I have a look the picture as well and 100% FAKE product. The only reason that I might believe if someone working in the factory and take the stock from factory then sell them that still reasonable. Which this little bit illegal.

Just ask them the code appear on the box of their shoes, try search in google. Check what is come up on your google search result, if the result appear a lot anonymous website comeback then BIG QUESTION mark need to be asked to your supplier.

If you are buying from Facebook just need to be more carefully as they do not have any security and warranty for you. I can put any picture in there, we are not buying a picture but we are looking for Legit item.

From the link I only can see legit item, but if they sending you different item what will you say?

I will not buy feom this one... if they have store in philipines you and you can check the item personally then will be different story. Most of the items are fake, either the owner try to make buyer confuse or they sell fake and authentic as well.

additional info.. airkewld most of online seller of OT here in philippines are fake... i tried 3 online seller with a competetive price and said to be made in vietnam i met up with them and all are fakes...The physical looks, the color, and the texture u can tell to urself that it is fake. i love OT i have 4 pairs of them 1 from us and 3 bought localy on malls official onitsuka tiger outlet. Lesson? even OT phil has the higher price (currency rates) compare to other other country i will not think twice just to assure that im wearing an AUTHENTIC ONITSUKA TIGER.

hi isaw this shoes in 999 mall in manila philippines. its so confusing because it was made in japan. they said it was made in sheep's leather. is this fake o original one? the leather is good buti i dont know if this is fake or real pne.

onitsuka tiger the white one. made in japan.http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/%400_mall/bostonclub/cabinet/09hol2/11s-th938l-0146.jpg&imgrefurl=http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bostonclub/item/10s-th938l-0146/&h=600&w=600&sz=76&tbnid=HCey2wpZxgJjpM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&zoom=1&usg=__NIsd3-44lvQ1Fval2yHrNlmaLRA=&docid=jWF5JkjTHJehAM&sa=X&ei=TfCaUamWHKmAiQfcwYHQAw&ved=0CDwQ9QEwAw&dur=389

i love this blog im a OT fanatic too.. he's an expert he can easily spot which is genuine or not... i tell you guys theres a LOT of floating fakes OT online and even malls. its very hard to compare if your new to these products. my sugestion is if you want to buy a pair go to official OT store and respected shoes stores in your country even the price is a little bit higher atleast you know to yourself that you are wearing a uathentic ONITSUKA TIGER. :)

yes lem villarta is the first online seller i saw selling legit ot in ph. most in sulit.com are fakes unless they are 2nd hand and bought officially from malls but limited models and small price difference compare to ot store... but Nippon made you need to think twice. legit mexico 66 deluxe ranges from 21 to 23 thousand yen respectively, equivalent to 10 to 13 thousand pesos :))

There is only 1 official site for ot try to look at japan taiwan korea hong kong ot offcial site there are few colors of mexico 66 deluxe and compare the price... These rare piece handcrafted from japan is too pricey so bare in mind when you see mexico 66 deluxe in very low price it is a FAKE!

Can you please take a look and check if these are real? This shop offers OT shoes at only 800k & 900k Vietnam Dong, about 40~45 USD and almost full sizes as well. They claim that they know ppl working in OT outsourcing factories and can get products out but I really doubt that. This is their page: https://www.facebook.com/OnitsukaTigerVietnamThanks.

Thank you for sharing you picture, but with one picture I can not tell you anything sorry.

But for the facebook page just FAKE stocks they owned and sell, please do not buy from them.

If there is the case he knows somebody inside the factory, its impossible to get the whole range out from the factory.

I have dealt with this kind of person which impossible for them to take a lot of stock. All OT stocks made based on contract, all the raw materials have been supplied by OT with precious measurement and proper budget. Finished stock has batch and stamp dated with code each operator who made the shoes, if there is illegal stock floating around they will easily identify them.

My advise do not believe with all excuse and reason until you see the real product. Check and feel the product will be more satisfying on my experience.

Thanks for the reply. Also can you share some pictures of an authentic OT shoes' label cuz I've never owned a pair? (Sadly :(). And normally for famous-brand shoes the label is heat-pressed into the tongue so they will look like its part of tongue. But in the picture that I showed you it seems like the label is only sewn into the tongue.

NOT Always. The label that showing on picture does exist for old OT production from Vietnam. But for all current stock they normally use the heat pressed label.

I have put a BEST GUIDELINES to spot FAKE OT. The label is not the big deal to spot them. If one of my point that I have put together is not match then we as buyer need to question the seller very hard... Please read my latest posting in this blog...

The black : The stitching on the strip is badly done even though the seller showing the bottom sole without logo. I still can pick this shoes just cheap FAKE.

The blue : same as above and also the bottom sole not suppose to be white color. For this range need to have light grey sole and might be there is logo on the bottom therefore they did not posting the bottom sole.

What can I advise to you if you are looking to buy please get something from reputable website !!!! e.g. amazon, asos, glue store(Australia), Hype (Australia)

If you only looking on the price than 1 and the only one advise if the price is going to good to be true then do not buy.

If you living in Philipines retail price will be 4,700 peso. LESS than 50% then do not buy most probably they are FAKE.

I really love your blogspot and Thank you so much for giving this information, makes think twice before i got duped! =D

I have come across this website from ebay, and they can guarantee if the product are authentic. Though after reading your blogspot, I kind of skeptical since when its made in Vietnam and I am not 100% sure if they have the correct sole. Thus I really need your help to confirm this. I am after the yellow/black and blue/red/white ones.

You can search all the product code and color appear on each shoes on google. Check the result that comeback,if the result comeback with anonymous website this probably fake shoes.

Code and color code is design specifically unique only for Onitsuka Tiger. The fake on always using random code and if you put them on google will be giving you a result with website that located in China and not reliable.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p526x296/563649_659626940729306_1776148197_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/s261x260/1381585_659640630727937_176123466_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/s261x260/1376417_659640497394617_466259096_n.jpgCan you share your thoughts on the above images. The seller claims that they were taken out from factory but they also have boxes so I kinda doubt it.